Sonia Gandhi Pens Op-Ed Attacking Modi Government; BJP Leaders Clap Back

Former Congress president Sonia Gandhi has gone after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government in an opinion piece for The Hindu.

She accused them of "systematically dismantling" the legislature, executive, and judiciary, which she thought reflected a contempt for democracy.

She also accused the Prime Minister of ignoring the alleged rising hatred and violence encouraged by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leaders, and of making no effort to promote peace or rein in those responsible, let alone bring them to justice.

She criticised Modi for ignoring important issues or using "platitudes and verbal gymnastics" to divert attention from them.

Religious festivals have transformed from joyous occasions to opportunities for intimidation and discrimination based on religion, food, caste, gender, or language, Gandhi wrote in her op-ed.

According to her, India's democracy faces a crucial test in the coming months, with elections approaching in several key states.

Her view is that the Modi government is determined to misuse every power.

"The Narendra Modi government's misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate is well known, with more than 95% of political cases filed only against the Opposition parties," she alleged.

Sonia Gandhi said her party will collaborate with like-minded parties to defend the Constitution of India and its ideals, and take its message directly to the people during this period.

The Congress Parliamentary Party chairperson wrote that despite Modi's efforts, the people of the country won't be silenced, and that the Congress will fight to protect people's voices, accepting its responsibility as the main opposition party.

Law Minister Kiren Rijiju tweeted, "Smt Sonia Gandhi is lecturing about Democracy? Congress Party talking about independence of Judiciary is: An illusory statement of the highest improbity."

"Classic example of Modi hatred, misplaced priorities and overestimation of relevance at the national level," Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said in a tweet.

"It is the Congress which is at the crossroads and not the nation. The days ahead are crucial, but for the grand old party which is on the verge of a political crisis," he added.